Tomato sets Solan farmers cash register ticking

tomato-pix.jpgSOLAN: Tomato has helped in lot to transform the economy of farmers in Solan district. If it was apple for upper area, for lower Shivalik hills it was tomato that brought sea changes in their life style. Not only the tomato, the farmers of Solan have set example in producing other off- season cash crops like capsicum, cucumber, peas and ginger on large scale.

It was Saproon valley in district that witnessed first harvesting of tomato by late Devi Chand Mehta in 1942. As per information available, Mehta had sown the Kolkatta based Stuns and Sons Company seeds in his fields. The packets of tomato seed are still lying safe in Mehta home.

In the year 1943-44 the others farmers of valley, getting motivated from Mehta initiatives started tomato production. The marketing and carrying produce to terminal markers was biggest hurdle at that time. The farmers were used to pack the tomato in locked tins. The produce was sent through rail to Delhi markets. The tin had two keys the one of which was with farmer and another with arhitya.

In 1945 the farmers started to send produce by packing it in soap and orange boxes. In 1956, farmers started using pine boxes to supply the huge quantity of produce. By this time the Solan tomato had made its presence felt in Delhi, Kolkatta and Mumbai markets.


In 1992-93, the tomato was grown on only 1200-hectare area in Solan. However now it grows on over 3700-hectare area. As per Agriculture department, in 2002-03 the tomato production was recorded 93 thousand metric ton the market price of which was estimated at Rs. 60 cr.

The main problem for growers was to transport produce to market and save themselves from greedy commission agents who usually charged hefty amount of commission. However in past few years the terminals markets in districts have set up to facilitate the marketing for produce besides promoting the direct sale by farmers. The markets at Solan and Dharampur have helped in great way to give deserving prices to growers.

In past year the Solan market alone had witnessed 25 thousands metric ton trade of the vegetable and fruits. In current season till date the market has received 14 thousand MT vegetables and fruits. In current season, till date 1.25 crates of tomato involving Rs. 9 cr has been reached at Solan market.

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5 Comments

  1. says: DJ Singh

    Scientists at Dr YS Parmar University , Nauni have had a majpr role to play in developing varieties of tomatoes that have a higher shelf-life. Using select varied of tomatoes found in foreign countries, varieties were developed to suit local conditions. Two such popular varieties were developed by Dr RS Rattan’s diligent hard-work over several years. Dr Rattan’s contribution in developing varieties of tomatoes with thick skins helped local farmers transport their produce with minimal wastage.

  2. says: Nand Sharma

    Hi
    I am a farmer from shimla i have construcded 3000 sqr mtrs of green house and growing tomatoes i can supply on an average 1300 kg. tomatoes per day from may onwards.Can you help me to sell my product on good prices in the market.
    regards
    Nand Sharma

    1. says: Shimla Hills offerings Pvt Ltd

      Dear Sir,

      We would like to get associated with you on the Tomatoes business; please provide us with your complete contact details.

      You may reach us:
      [email protected]
      09318599232

      Regards
      SHOP

  3. says: Puneet manchanda

    I would like to purchase tomatoes in tons for my business in delhi.
    Please provide me the contact details for this.

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